Local Defensive Back Jordan Smith Commits to Penn State

WASHINGTON (WUSA) -- 9 Sports has confirmed that defensive back Jordan Smith has verbally committed to Penn State University. Smith played for Archbishop Carroll High School during the 2010-2011 football season. Smith also told 9 Sports via text message Saturday that he now attends H.D. Woodson High School in Northeast, D.C.

Smith, according to PennState247.com, is the first football player to commit to Penn State since sanctions were handed down on the program. Smith says the NCAA sanctions recently imposed didn't deter him from verbally committing to his "dream school."

"When I was a young kid I would always run around pretending I was playing for the blue and white," said Smith. "One thing that never changes about Penn State is academics, a degree from there speaks volumes."

Smith, a two-star recruit, also had an offer from The University of Colorado at Boulder according to Rivals.com and according to ESPN.com an offer from The University of Kansas.